Which place is cheaper, San Juan or Athens?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Athens or San Juan?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and San Juan. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Athens or San Juan?
Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece and is home to a population of over 3.7 million people. It's most famous as the birthplace of Classical Greece and the history in the city is incomparable to that found anywhere. It became the national capital of the modern Greek State in the 1830s, before which it was just a small village with a very impressive history. The city was redesigned by architects and city planners and incorporated large public squares, lots of green space, and wide avenues. The city has had its ups and downs both economically and politically, but it remains a beautiful and impressive place to explore.
San Juan
If you've ever set foot on a Caribbean cruise, you've probably spent a bit of time in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, maybe you should consider spending more than just a port day in this beautiful and historically rich city.
As the capital and largest city in all of Puerto Rico, San Juan is home to approximately 400,000 people. Established in 1521, it is also the second oldest European-founded settlement in the Americas.
As this city fuses a historic paradise with modern day energy, it has absolutely everything to offer. Intellectual wanderers, beach bums, rainforest adventurers and radical surfers will all find plenty to do in San Juan.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayAthens $136San Juan $192
The average daily cost (per person) in Athens is $136, while the average daily cost in San Juan is $192. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Athens and San Juan in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personAthens $68San Juan $124
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomAthens $136San Juan $248
Compare Hotels in Athens and San Juan
Looking for a hotel in Athens or San Juan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Athens Hotel Prices and San Juan Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Athens $29San Juan $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Athens:
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Airport Bus for Two$6.86
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Metro$1.61
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Metro$2.14
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Metro from Airport to City Center$8.57
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Taxi from Airport$38
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Athens
Also for Athens, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Paros: Helicopter Transfer to Greek Islands or Athens: $2,712
- From Meteora Private Day Trip with Transfer: $1,055
- From Ancient Corinth Day Trip with Private Transfer: $464
- Private Transfer to/from Volos: $452
- From Private Cape Sounion Sunset Tour with Transfer: $301
- Transfer from Athens airport to Epidavros up to 4 customers: $298
- Transfer Airport Athens to NAFPLIO , up to 4 customers: $298
- Athens Airport to Kyllini Transfer or from Kyllini to Athens: $291
- Luxury Private Transfer from Athens to Kymi Port: $284
- Vip Transfer From/To Athens Center - Lavrio Port: $273
- Private Transfer through Athens Attractions at Night: $273
- Private Transfer from Athens to Mantoudi: $273
Hired Cars and Shuttles in San Juan
Also for San Juan, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- San Juan Airport (SJU): Private Transfer to San Juan Port: $272
- San Juan Puerto Rico Cruise Port: Transfer to San Juan hotel: $272
- Carabali Rain Forest Round Trip Private Taxi Transfer: $210
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, 16Pax Mercedes Van, Select Zone: $130
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 14Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $124
- Private Transfer from SJU Airport to San Juan / Rio Grande: $105
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Private Transfers, 11Pax Lux Sprinter Van: $103
- Old San Juan Sunset Cruise with Drinks & Transfer: $99
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Mercedes ECO Van, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Ford Premium SUV, Select Zone: $87
- Puerto Rico Island Wide Transfer, Lexus Luxury Sedan, Select Zone: $81
- Oneway Transfer San Juan to Ceiba: Ferry, Vieques/Culebra Airport: $80
Is it cheaper to fly into Athens or San Juan?
Prices for flights to both San Juan and Athens change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayAthens $40San Juan $36
Typical Food Prices in Athens
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Athens:
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Ice cream$3.21
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Souvlaki$2.36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Athens
For Athens, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $24
- Hard Rock Cafe Athens with Set Lunch or Dinner: $26
- Street Food Tour Market & City Centre: $42
- Foodies’ Favorite Food tour: $46
- Greek Street Food Tour: $52
- Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City's Iconic Eateries: $52
- Street Food Tour with Local Guide and 7 Tastings: $57
- Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Organic Lunch on Poros: $60
- Koukaki Food Tour with a Local Friend: $60
- Greek Spirits & Meze, Food Tour in Athens: $62
- Greek Traditional Vegan Cooking Class with Meal: $64
- Alternative, truly authentic food tour in secret Athens: $64
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Old San Juan Sunset Food Tour with Drinks: $156
- Savor the Sunset: Old San Juan Walk and Food Tour: $159
- City Lights Sky High Dinner Experience: $165
- Authentic Flavors of San Juan Food Tour: $170
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Athens $38San Juan $49
Tours and Activities in Athens
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Athens.
- Acropolis/Athens Highlights Private Evening Tour (5 hours) from Athens, Piraeus: $87
- Apostle Paul's Footsteps in Athens Christian Private Tour 4Hours: $142
- Athens Private Day Tour Best place to visit: $273
- Best Food Tasting Tour of Athens, taste 18+ iconic Greek foods! : $86
- DELPHI and THERMOPYLAE: Full Day Private Tour Visit Arachova 8 H: $204
- DISCOVER ATHENS IN 6HRS Private Tour BEST INTRODUCTION-FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS : $218
- EPIDAURUS & NAFPLIO : Private Full Day Tour From Athens 6 Hours : $174
- Food Experience in Athens including Unlimited Lunch : $63
- Layover Private Tour in Athens: $246
- Mycenae Lions Gate Epidaurus & Nafplio Full Day Private Tour 8H : $191
- Traditional Villages Full day Tour in Santorini: $59
- "Acropolis Half-day Tour and City Visit": $170
Typical Entertainment Prices in San Juan
For San Juan, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Horseback Riding Tour$40
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Full Day Snorkeling Trip$100
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1 Hr Windsurfing Lesson$75
Tours and Activities in San Juan
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for San Juan.
- Full-Day Tour: El Yunque, Luquillo Beach, Bio Bay Night Kayaking: $155
- Rum Craft Cocktail Tour in San Juan: $65
- 1 or 2 Hour Puerto Rico Horseback Ride Experience!: $210
- Arenales Caves, Waterfall & River Swimming Adventure: $140
- Arte Boriken-Urban Art & Beach Sip & Paint Tour: $145
- Bioluminescent Bay Kayak Adventure from San Juan: $110
- Black Sand Beach- See The Southeast of Puerto Rico Private Tour: $150
- Carolina: ATV Adventure at Campo Rico Ranch with Guide: $136
- Craft Beer Private Tour in San Juan: $168
- Cruise Ship Travelers: Hike to a Hidden Puerto Rican Waterfall: $85
- Culebra Beach Day Tour with Snorkeling from San Juan by Ferry: $200
- Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo: $175
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayAthens $24San Juan $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Athens
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Athens:
- Liquer tasting in Polykala's Distillery Show Room in Athens: $17
- Greek Wine Tasting: $23
- Premium Wine Tastings: $36
- Greek Wine Tasting Experience with a Sommelier: $43
- 1 Hour Private Four Greek Wine Tasting and Food Pairing in Athens: $44
- Old Town Athens Wine Tasting: $53
- Best rated Acropolis Wine Tasting : $54
- Greek food and wine tasting: $54
- 2 Hours Wine Tasting Odyssey in Athens: $54
- Rare Greek Wine Tasting w/Sommelier by the Acropolis: $59
- Acropolis Private Wine Tasting @ Finewine store : $61
- Small-Group Wine Tasting Tour with Appetizers: $79
Sample the Local Flavors in San Juan
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in San Juan:
- Pinones Pub crawl in Puerto Rico: $50
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and San Juan, we can see that San Juan is more expensive. And not only is Athens much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Athens is in Europe and San Juan is in Caribbean Islands, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Athens would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Athens and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in San Juan would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Juan than you might in Athens.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Athens Expensive? and Is San Juan Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Athens or San Juan?
Athens has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of San Juan. When comparing the sizes of Athens and San Juan, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Athens or San Juan?
Athens has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but San Juan experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.
Should I visit Athens or San Juan in the Summer?
Both San Juan and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to San Juan because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.
In the summer, Athens is around the same temperature as San Juan. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and San Juan averages at about 28°C (83°F).
It's quite sunny in San Juan. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than San Juan during summer. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 287 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Athens usually receives less rain than San Juan. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyAthens 27°C (81°F)San Juan 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Athens or San Juan in the Autumn?
Both San Juan and Athens during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Athens for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to San Juan year-round.
In October, Athens is generally cooler than San Juan. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and San Juan fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).
In San Juan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the autumn, Athens often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 235 hours of full sun.
San Juan gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Athens usually gets less rain in October than San Juan. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberAthens 19°C (67°F)San Juan 28°C (82°F)
Should I visit Athens or San Juan in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and San Juan. Many visitors come to Athens in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. San Juan attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.
Athens is much colder than San Juan in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and San Juan fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Juan this time of the year. Athens usually receives less sunshine than San Juan during winter. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while San Juan receives 240 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Athens usually receives less rain than San Juan. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryAthens 10°C (51°F)San Juan 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Athens or San Juan in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Athens as well as San Juan. Most visitors come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to San Juan throughout the year.
In the spring, Athens is much colder than San Juan. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and San Juan averages at about 26°C (79°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Juan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the spring, Athens often gets less sunshine than San Juan. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Juan receives 272 hours of full sun.
Athens usually gets less rain in April than San Juan. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while San Juan receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilAthens 16°C (60°F)San Juan 26°C (79°F)
Typical Weather for San Juan and Athens
| Athens | San Juan | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 69 mm (2.7 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 135 mm (5.3 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 92 mm (3.6 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.